Reds hand All-Stars first loss; Tech Mighties win clash of unbeaten teams

CEBU, Philippines - Nolan de la Peña had 21 points, passed out six assists and pulled down five rebounds as the ePerformax Reds handed the Teleperformance All-Stars their first loss in the Elite Classic, 79-72, while the Tech Mahindra Tech Mighties prevailed over the QBE Generals, 61-47, in the battle of unbeaten Evo League teams in the 12th CSCC E-League men's basketball tournament last Sunday at the City Sports Club-Cebu gym.

Man mountain Robert Gilo pumped in 19 points and eight rebounds, while Esrom Cuizon chipped in 11 markers, six assists, three steals and two rebounds as the Reds earned a share of lead with defending champions Convergys Converters on similar 5-1 slates.

The Reds used a blistering 30-15 rally in the third period to stun the All-Stars, who saw their four-game winning streak come to a screeching halt. Ryan Veloso paced the All-Stars with 14 points and eight rebounds followed by James Lester Navaja with 12 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and three steals in a losing effort.

On the other hand, EJ Saavedra sparkled with 20 points on top of seven rebounds, four steals two blocks and two assists as the Tech Mighties stretched their hot streak to seven games while dealing the Generals their first setback after a rousing 7-0 start.

Jay Chris Entrampas added 10 points and four rebounds for the Tech Mighties, who were in complete command after racing to a 26-21 lead at halftime. They closed the match with a 17-10 bang resulting into a 14-point romp. Christopher James Durango was the lone double-digit scorer for QBE with 12.

In the other games, Donald Stephen de Leon charted 17 points, seven rebounds and three assists to power the Author Solutions, Inc. Hardbacks past the Contact Solutions Flying Lemurs, 63-43, while Sykes Pioneers displayed great teamwork to annihilate the SSI Warriors, 113-63, in what is by far the most lopsided match this season.

The Hardbacks now hold a 4-2 win-loss record, while the Pioneers improved to 3-3. The Flying Lemurs dropped to 3-4, while the Warriors stayed winless in five outings. EBV (FREEMAN)